Delhi Metro Tickets & Smart Card
How to buy tickets, recharge smart cards, and use QR/WhatsApp booking
Types of Delhi Metro tickets
Token (Single Journey)
A plastic coin-like token for one trip. Buy at the counter or ATVM, tap to enter, drop in the slot to exit. No discount. Best for occasional riders.
Smart Card
Rechargeable contactless card with 10% discount on every trip. Tap to enter and exit. No queuing. The best option for regular commuters.
QR Ticket (App/WhatsApp)
Buy a ticket on your phone via the DMRC app or WhatsApp. Get a QR code, scan at AFC gates. No physical token needed. Pay via UPI.
Tourist Card
Unlimited travel for 1 day (₹200) or 3 days (₹500). Ideal for tourists exploring Delhi. Available at airport and major station counters.
How to book Delhi Metro ticket on WhatsApp
DMRC now allows you to buy metro tickets directly on WhatsApp — no app download needed. Here's how:
- Save the DMRC WhatsApp number: +91-9650855800
- Send "Hi" to start the conversation
- Select your source station from the list
- Select your destination station
- Choose number of passengers (1–6)
- Pay via UPI (Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, etc.)
- Receive a QR code ticket in the chat
- Scan the QR at the AFC gate to enter and exit
The QR ticket is valid for the day of purchase only. You can buy tickets for up to 6 people in one transaction.
How to book Delhi Metro ticket online (DMRC App)
The official DMRC app lets you buy QR-code tickets on your phone. Available on both Android (Google Play) and iOS (App Store).
Step-by-step booking
- Download "Delhi Metro Rail" app from Play Store or App Store
- Register with your mobile number and verify OTP
- Tap "Buy QR Ticket" on the home screen
- Select your source and destination stations
- Choose the number of tickets (1–6 passengers)
- Pay via UPI, debit card, credit card, or net banking
- QR ticket appears in "My Tickets" section
- At the station, open the ticket and scan at AFC QR reader
Important notes
- QR ticket is valid only on the date of purchase
- You must complete your journey within 90 minutes of entry
- Ticket can be booked up to 30 minutes before station closing time
- Refund available if cancelled before use (₹5 cancellation fee)
- Same fare as token — no discount (smart card still cheaper)
Delhi Metro Smart Card — complete guide
The Delhi Metro Smart Card is the most economical way to travel on the metro. It's a rechargeable contactless card that you tap at entry and exit gates. The fare is automatically deducted with a 10% discount compared to token prices.
How to buy a Smart Card
- Available at any metro station counter
- Cost: ₹150 (₹50 security deposit + ₹100 usable balance)
- Carry a valid photo ID (Aadhaar, PAN, or driving license)
- Card is activated immediately — start using right away
How to recharge
- Station counter — cash or card, any station
- ATVM machines — touch the card, select amount, pay
- Paytm / PhonePe — recharge online (NFC-enabled phone needed to update card)
- Minimum recharge: ₹100 · Maximum balance: ₹3,000
Smart Card benefits
- 10% discount on every journey
- No queuing at token counters
- Works on Delhi Metro, Airport Express, and Rapid Metro Gurugram
- Can be used for parking charges at metro stations
- Valid for 10 years from date of issue
Delhi Metro fare chart (2024)
| Distance | Token fare | Smart Card |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 2 km | ₹10 | ₹9 |
| 2–5 km | ₹20 | ₹18 |
| 5–12 km | ₹30 | ₹27 |
| 12–21 km | ₹40 | ₹36 |
| 21–32 km | ₹50 | ₹45 |
| Above 32 km | ₹60 | ₹54 |
Airport Express: flat ₹60 from New Delhi to Airport. Tourist Card holders travel unlimited.